These Are the Best Christmas Markets Around the World
Thursd. shares all the great Christmas Markets around the world in this fascinating article. Enjoy this quick read!
There's nothing like a snowy Christmas market to get even the grinchiest among us in the Christmas holiday spirit.
By: THURSD. | 15-12-2022 | 5 min read
Get into the holiday spirit by visiting some of the most wonderful, magical, and out-of-this-world Christmas markets. These eight are without a doubt the most beautiful and the best places to go around the globe! Time to get a pen out to write all of these incredible sites to visit during the holidays.
The Eight Best Christmas Markets Around the World
When it comes to getting into the festive spirit, nothing beats a good Christmas market. Parks and plazas around the world fill up with wonderfully adorned kiosks selling seasonal drinks and delicacies like mulled wine and pastries, as well as handmade gifts and tons of beautiful flowers.
Photo: Pinterest
Typically, the markets are open from mid-November through late December or early January, allowing you to shop for gifts or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere with loved ones. Keep on reading to learn about some of the top eight Christmas markets to visit this holiday season. Whichever one you choose, it will be cheerful and bright.
1. Wiener Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, Austria
Wiener Christkindlmarkt, the world's largest Christmas market, is famous for its 100+ stalls selling everything from souvenirs to wonderful Viennese specialties like kaiserschmarrn (sweet, fluffy, ripped-up pancakes), glühwein (mulled wine), and bauernkrapfen (donut-shaped fried pastries).
Photo: Meinbezirk
You'll know you've arrived when you see all the lights, stalls, an illuminated skating rink, and a multi-level carousel on Rathausplatz, a major city plaza outside Vienna's city hall. The market is open from mid-November to the day after Christmas and draws millions of tourists each year, so it's well worth a visit.
2. Strasbourg Christkindelsmarik in Strasbourg, France
The thick aroma of mulled wine pervades Strasbourg's Christkindelsmarik, which has been running since 1570 and is one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets. From late November through Christmas Eve, there will be decorations and shimmering lights everywhere you turn, making you feel as if you've stepped right into a winter paradise.
Photo: Best Places N Things
Visit the market's decked-out tree in Place Kléber, which is known for its imposing height (typically around a hundred feet), and spend some time shopping at one of the market's more than 300 different stalls, which sell everything from traditional Christmas treats and handmade crafts of all kinds. If you can't make it to the market before Christmas, you can also check out the city's After-Christmas Village starting January 1.
3. Distillery District Winter Village in Toronto, Canada
Stroll the cobblestone alleyways, marvel at this year's 51-foot-tall Dior-designed Christmas tree with 70,000 glittering lights, and shop at the Distillery District Winter Village's more than 65 local booths. The annual holiday market, formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, runs from November 17 through the end of the year and features tree lighting, live musical performances, and Santa appearances.
Photo: Blog TO
Sip a seasonal cocktail or two at one of the Winter Village's seven bars, then dine at one of the cuisine huts serving cozy, holiday meals. On weekends and during the last few days of the year, tickets are necessary after 4 p.m. and cost $11, but you can enter the market for free at any time.
4. Christmas in Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
This Danish Christmas market, housed in Tivoli Gardens, the world's third oldest amusement park, mixes the concept of hygge with a serious dose of seasonal cheer. The park's garden is decked out in festive decorations, featuring over 1,000 illuminated Christmas trees and over 70,000 baubles, as well as lovely wooden cottages.
Photo: Visit Denmark
For those who crave a real Christmas market, the park also has roughly 60 food and gift stalls, many of which sell typical Danish holiday fares such as gingerbread hearts and spherical pancakes. The market is open from late November through New Year's Eve, so there is plenty of time to go.
5. Hong Kong WinterFest
If you have the opportunity to visit Hong Kong this winter, you should go to WinterFest in the West Kowloon Cultural District. There, you'll find a Christmas Town overlooking the port, all out in holiday lights (including those on a huge Christmas tree and many smaller trees) and offering stunning views of the city skyline.
Photo: West Kowloon
Every evening, the Symphony of Lights fills Victoria Harbor, adding to the spectacle. A number of holiday-themed lodges around the Cultural District's East Lawn will be adorned with festive displays that make up the city's Christmas Wonderland. Christmas Wonderland is only open from December 23 to December 27, but Christmas Town is open from November 25 to January 1.
6. Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Germany
Dresden's Striezelmarkt is Germany's oldest Christmas market, celebrating its 588th year this year. The market, which runs from November 23 to December 24, features a daily schedule of cultural events, including concerts by the local Kreuzchor choir and the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a gingerbread festival. And don't miss Stollenfest, where hundreds of bakers and aficionados will march in a procession to honor stollen, a Christmas bread packed with candied fruits and dusted with icing sugar.
Photo: My Best Place
7. Brussels Winter Wonders and Christmas Market, Belgium
Although Belgium has no shortage of Christmas markets, Brussels's Winter Wonders event, which runs from November 25 to January 1 is recognized to be the largest and most impressive in the country. With over 200 chalets to choose from, you can expect to discover everything from Belgian beers, waffles, and glühwein to handcrafted ornaments and trinkets.
Photo: Thrillist
The large market is spread out throughout the city center, giving it plenty of room for an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and a 66-foot Christmas tree draped in over a mile of string lights.
8. Chicago Christkindlmarket, USA
If you want to visit a European-inspired Christmas market in the United States, you'll love Chicago's Christkindlmarket. The German-style markets have everything from food stalls to gift merchants to help you make the most of the holiday season, and there are three in the Chicago region to pick from Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville, and Aurora. To get into the holiday mood, visit one or all three markets — the Chicago and Aurora markets are open from November 18 to December 24, while the Wrigleyville event is open until December 31.
Photo: Secret Chicago
While some may last up until January, other markets are only open until Christmas time. If you live in one of these cities, make sure to treat yourself to the best x-mas markets around the world. You will not be disappointed.